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Hatchery or Breeder?
Why is it that hatcheries use artists’ renditions instead of actual breeding stock? Paul’s poultry is proud of our birds and our facilities and pictures of both can b seen throughout our site.
Trying to decide on which way to go? For all intensive purposes, it depends on what exactly you are looking for. Hatcheries and reputable breeders are as different as night and day. If you just want “barn yard fowl” than any big or commercial hatchery will be fine. If you prefer the finer qualities in poultry and perhaps would even like to show them than we recommend you find a small breeder of poultry who is committed to preserving their perspective breed/variety. Breeders will go to great lengths to constantly improve their lines. Hatchery birds often barely resemble the birds that the standard calls for. A smaller breeder will take years, spending thousands of dollars, and raising several hundred chicks each year to adulthood just to see a pair make up the next generation. If you want correctly colored and typed birds, do your research. Check the various online poultry groups, and ask a lot of questions. The members will know who has the best birds. It is best to review the standard for the breed you are looking for and then if possible see the birds in person, ask for pictures and always ask or look around. The internet is a valuable tool. If you are still unsure call the hatchery and the breeder and ask them about their birds. Most hatcheries outsource their chicks to sub-contactors who breed chicks for them. Many breeders are also very concerned with preserving a breed in the correct standard. Lastly you should consider economics. On average a hatchery chick will cost between $1.50 to $4.00 whereas you could expect to pay $7.00 to $20.00 a chick.
These pictures below are an excellent example of the differences between hatcheries, and what a few breeders have.
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| Actual hatchery blr rooster and hens. | A breeding pair of blr's at Paul's Poultry. |
